Rainwater, who'd been with Jindal for six years, will leave effective March 3. He said was departing to pursue options in the private sector.

"Paul is a good friend," Jindal said Tuesday. "He has been here since day one, holding four different positions in the administration, and he has always risen to the occasion no matter what challenge we faced."

Replcaing Rainwater will be former Jindal Communications Director and Assistant Chief of Staff Kyle Plotkin. His duties will be assumed by Michael Reed, while Shannon Bates will take over as Deputy Communications Director.